New Orleans Saints, Minnesota Vikings | featured news

The NFL is off to a strong start in its TV ratings after drawing big numbers last season.

New Orleans raced to an early led but had to rally for a win in a sloppy opening-night effort against Minnesota.

A 40-yard field goal in overtime by a little-known kicker could become as famous as jambalaya in these parts. The New Orleans Saints, a team with no home and an uncertain future five years ago, are heading for their first Super Bowl. By battering Brett Favre and beating the Minnesota Vikings 31-28 Sunday, they set off celebrations on Bourbon Street that locals never could have imagined in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

Next stop for Brett Favre and the Vikings: New Orleans. Favre passed for four TDs as Minnesota hammered the Cowboys 34-3 to set up a date with the Saints in the NFC title game.